Specialized Resources

Local History Resources

Featured Resource

Universal Class: Novel Writing 101
From character and plot-conflict development to a unique style and specialized writing techniques, writing a novel--while not utterly impossible--requires a dedicated, disciplined approach.

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The Library recently launched its newest historical website, The Pendergast Years: Kansas City in the Jazz Age & Great Depression, a digital trove of photos, letters, documents, and original articles illuminating the wide-open era of the 1920s and ’30s when “Boss Tom” Pendergast ruled city politics, corruption was rampant., and violence, stoked by Prohibition, was commonplace.

Pump up the volumes as the Library's Summer Reading Program again invites both youth and adults to Rock & Read. The song remains the same: Read and log five books between May 25-July 31, 2018, earn a rockin’ prize. Explore this year’s music-themed offerings, including suggested reading titles, events, book discussions, family activities, and more.

Planning to give (or get) tech-themed presents such as computers, tablets, or smartphones this holiday season? The Library provides an extra boost to your gift-giving or gift-getting by offering many free services and resources to make the most of new devices.

The Library is thinking of offering a new free service which provides more than 1,000 videos that teach you arts & crafts, design, cooking, painting, and more. We need you to test drive it, and all you need is your library card!

With the beginning of a new year comes the renewed commitment to shake up our usual routines. We tell ourselves we’re going to learn a new skill, take a class or two, strive to get exposed to diverse and different ideas, make healthier choices, take risks in personal and professional lives… an ambitious list of life-changing activities. Luckily, the Library is an ideal starting point to help you turn your New Year’s resolutions into real results.

KC Library card holders now have another way to get the latest news about what's happening in our world – without a paywall. Digital access to The New York Timesis now a part the Library's growing collection of free online resources.